“You are about to become and already are the most powerful force in U.S. politics. Exercise that power well and the country will embrace it,” Biden said on Sept. 13.

Last night marked the first time a vice president has attended a Latino inaugural event, further emphasizing the importance of Latino voters in future elections.

“We said from the beginning that the Hispanic community was on the cusp of realizing its place in America, one that is so richly deserved,” Biden said.

Throughout 2012, the Obama For America (OFA) campaign drew heavily on president’s star-studded collection of Latino supporters to bring out the vote and connect with Latino voters. Celebrities such as Ricky Martin, George Lopez, Jennifer Lopez and Eva Longoria were featured in various campaign ads for OFA, some filmed both in English and Spanish.

Longoria, who served as OFA national co-chair, also co-chaired last night’s event.

“The story of Latinos is the story of the United States,” she said, echoing sentiment from Biden’s September speech that “the rest of America is beginning to understand that [Latino] success is America’s success.”

Biden was not the only Democrat to appear before the Latino audience last night. Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus as well as San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro came out to celebrate Latinos and their part in helping re-elect President Barack Obama.